RE: Mark Graham, I was once at a function and was sat on next table to Ted.I couldn't help hearing his conversation with another gentleman and basically the story was that Mark did indeed throw his teddy with regards to Brent Todd.It appeared that neither Mark or Brent had expected it to be quite as tough as it was when they got here and it wasn't the extended holiday they expected it to be ! Ted did say that they had offered Mark the kitchen sink et al to stay but it seemed he had just had enough and perhaps Mr Todd was the excuse he was looking for ? What Ted had to say about Brent Todd would get me banned if I posted on here ! suffice to say he wasn't the most popular bloke at the club. As I said this was all "overheard" by myself and I never got chance to chat to Ted on a one to one basis. With regard to Steve Ella the guy was a once in a lifetime player, class to spare and would run his blood to water for the team.Whatever the ins and outs, the one constant remains that whilever your a Wakey fan there will always be something to talk about !

Not questioning what has been said but from my memory Mark Graham played hard every game I saw him.
Andy Kelly got plenty of breaks and tries of the back of him.
He may well have left because of the treatment of Brent Todd but I can't imagine he thought it would be a holiday. He had been here on tour already and been beaten as a touring side before. Ted may well have had that opinion of him and may well have been right but the people I know at the club from that era have nothing but good to say about mark Graham.
It's all history now.

In all honesty I don't remember Graham having a bad game either Poptart, and maybe Ted was spouting the party line to another nosey fan ? Either way just another of those moments that make watching Wakefield such a roller coaster.Makes these heady days of positivity all the more sweeter eh ?

Heady days indeed. Loving every minute of it

As regards Mark Graham, he was one of the toughest, skilful and dedicated forwards to play for Trinity. He certainly didn't come here for a holiday and played every game at 100%, more often than not, injured. His body was battered and played with a brace on his shoulder due to previous injuries.

Brent Todd was signed on the back of Ian Roberts failed signing (he broke his foot). Trinity wanted a barn-storming prop to replace him; unfortunately Todd was a skilful ball handling prop and not the same type of replacement required. Toppo wanted him to break tackles but that wasn't his style.

Todd left just before Xmas by 'mutual consent' but Graham didn't like the way it was done so decided to go too. Graham also wanted to assist with coaching but Toppo wouldn't let him so Graham got rather frustrated near the end, but stil always giving 100%. There are additional political reasons for leaving (money etc) but they were the 'on field reasons'

.... and Mark Graham and Steve Ella's debut (v Wigan) was one of the best games ever at Belle Vue. A 25-20 win with a last minute winning try from Julian Russell after leading 18-0 early on

I went with my dad and I thought it was near by birthday in September 1988. I just remember Wigan scoring some quick tries and looking like they were going to blow Wakefield away. It was a long time ago, probably got the programme somewhere in the loft.

Steve Ella, Mark Graham and Andy Kelly stood out in my mind as having great games. I also couldn't believe how big Mark Graham was, he was huge although the Wigan pack were also very big and powerful with players like Andy Goodway playing.

25 20

Wigan never in front think it was 17 0
Wigan came back 17 16 then 21 16 21 20 25 20

was this the game where Phil Eden pull his hamstring on the way to the line but still made it to score, think i remember Julien Russel ? playing and scoring in this game

Yes it was 25 20 Russell played FB 17 4 HT
Parkinson in stand we had beat Wire week before and beat Hull week after at Hull got a draw V Oldham then had to wait until Xmas for double over Fev

O'Meley has agreed a new one year deal with FC. Sounds like Amor could be staying! www.hullfc.com/article/22333/hul ... -extension

O'Meley has agreed a new one year deal with FC. Sounds like Amor could be staying! www.hullfc.com/article/22333/hul ... -extension

All sounds very plausible, thanks for the clear up

Correct, would also like to point out that Ted (and i know you didn't say it) was not Chairman of Trinity at the time or even on the BOD.The club at this time was run by Rodney Walker and Stuart Farrell both appointed by WMDC who effectively owned the club at this point. So any stories Ted may or may not have said regarding this issue were strictly second hand and no more reliable in this case than anyone elses. HTH.